Need (want) a bigger saw

And figured this is the place to ask . . .
I used the Husq 460 for mos of my bucking today. I've figured out how to sharpen the chain so it really cuts well. Then I picked up the 445, and did some limbing, and used it to cut some 14" rounds. Man does that thing lack "pepper" relative to the 460. I think the chain needs sharpened as well.

BUT, I was also thinking that something with a lot more nut might be useful. Something that would easily take a 30" bar, but could be used regularly with a 20". It wouldn't be my primary go to saw, but for big jobs, like the Ash score I'm on, I really could use a saw that will really chew through 29" trunks that are 20 and 30 feet long (of which I have 4 or 5 left!). I'd be willing to have it modded, and keep a few gallons of the spendy fuel handy.
I don't much care about noise, I do care about ripping through larger volumes of tree (or noodling wood) in a timely fashion.
I'm not feeling brand specific, weather one is a few oz.heavier or lighter is of no consequence. If I stay with Husky that's fine.

SCA

 

For what it's worth I'm really, really happy with my Stihl 661. It's not modded except for the muffler but it definitely likes bigger wood.

 

My 661 easily handles a 28” bar.
I’d recommend going to 80-90cc, although a pro 70cc saw would be a big step up from the rancher.

 

500i for the win!

 

Seems like a Husqvarna 572 would fit nicely here, or even better, a 592! I’ve never run either one but wish I could own one of each.

Hey, it’s not my money, & he asked

 

Id guess anything 70cc and larger with the XS sticker on it would fit the bill.

 

Are you looking new or used and what’s the budget?

I love the 300 series Husky’s. 372/572 would probably fill the slot for you if a 460 has been your largest saw. 90+ cc isn’t really needed unless you are taking on huge wood or milling. The buy in on them is , at least IMO.
Husqvarna 395XP Chainsaw - tools - by owner - sale

Husky also has a 385 & 390 to consider, at 85 & 88. Modding totally changes the game. You can get a smaller cc saw ported and not need the extra displacement. I have a 65cc saw Kevin ported that would happily run a 28” bar, and beyond with semi or full skip chain. So 70-80 class from a good builder would more than get the job done.

 

If used is OK, you could post your want, in a BUY thread at FHC classifieds

FHC Classifieds

 

Yeah you'll want a bigger saw and especially a pro model. If you're only going to cut a few trees up that are the 30" range, you really don't need a 90cc saw. Buy a 70cc or so and maybe mod it. You'll end up using it a lot more than the really heavy and really expensive mega saws.

 

One of these would work for you.


That belongs to Scotty Overkill. A Stihl Contra. 42" bar, I believe. Lots of teeth to sharpen.

 

I would get the 500i and be done with it. I cut a lot of locust and it will pull a 32", full comp, stock, through that just fine. I have yet to run a 28" on it, or a 36" for that matter, but it's pretty awesome. I can only imagine how these things run ported.

 

I did this very thing recently and made a thread about it. I bought a Stihl 462. Of course, a 500i would be 'better.' I am sure a Husky equivalent would be equally as awesome. Seems to me that most of us don't 'need' anything bigger than a 70cc to 80cc saw. They flat rock in big hardwood with a sharp chain. The latter being uber important!

 

Wanna buy my MS460 Stihl? 77cc and ive run a 36" bar on it. Can normally wear a 28" bar. Bucking with a 20" bar gets the job done quick. I think i had this when we first went cutting. Id let you take it and give her a run.

 

My first outing with my 500 was with a 36" bar with full skip chain. Cut some BIG pin oak. Buck with a 20" bar and its REALLY fun.

 

Having multiple larger CC saws i try to be an "equal opportunity" cutter and give them their fair chance at cutting. Not cutting a lot or larger wood, i run the 20" bar (yes i know overkill) or bigger logs at a score.

When the 500 does come out to play i ask myself "why do i even bother with the other saws"?

 

I'm agreeing with the 70cc recommendations....if you go bigger you won't use it nearly as much. 70cc saws are a great class for about everything except milling and monster hardwood trees.
I've always ran a 30" bar on my 372xp without any problems.
These days, I mostly run 60cc saws with 24" bar on bigger wood.....echo 620p, ms361, and ms400 at 67cc'....or whatever it is....
I have a husky 2100cd, as well as 288xp, & ms660 clones, but almost never pick them up because they're just total overkill for anything under 3' wood.....the truth is, I can make more sawdust faster with 50 to 70 cc saws in 8" to 30" wood.... and be less tired at the end of the day.

 

Cutting wood should never be a struggle. It should be the best part of firewood.
Fixin to ginsu this with XS400. 462 for the stump cut and 261 for the limb wood. Right tools for the job.

 

And limbing...a little heavy for limbing. I like my PP4218 for that.